United Airlines has announced a commercial agreement with Denver-based aerospace company Boom Supersonic to add Supersonic aircrafts to its fleet as well as a cooperative sustainability initiative – a move that facilitates a leap forward in returning supersonic speeds to aviation.
Return of Supersonic aircrafts
United Airlines today signed an agreement with Boom Supersonic under which it will purchase 15 of Boom’s ‘Overture’ airliners, once Overture meets United’s demanding safety, operating and sustainability requirements, with an option for an additional 35 aircrafts. Both the companies will work together on meeting those requirements before delivery. The airline has become the 1st US airline to do so.
Scott Kirby, CEO, United Airlines, said:
United continues on its trajectory to build a more innovative, sustainable airline and today’s advancements in technology are making it more viable for that to include supersonic planes. Boom’s vision for the future of commercial aviation, combined with the industry’s most robust route network in the world, will give business and leisure travelers access to a stellar flight experience. Our mission has always been about connecting people and now working with Boom, we’ll be able to do that on an even greater scale.
Overture, once operational, is expected to be the 1st large commercial aircraft that will be net-zero Carbon from day one and optimised to run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The aircraft is slated to roll out by 2025, fly in 2026 and expected to carry passengers by 2029. Together, both the companies will also work to accelerate production of greater supplies of SAF.
Overture, which is capable of flying at speeds of Mach 1.7 – twice the speed of today’s fastest airliners, can connect more than 500 destinations in nearly half the time. United has also revealed some potential routes. They are:
- Newark to London in just 3 and half hours (instead of 6 hours and 30 minutes)
- Newark to Frankfurt in just 4 hours (instead of 7 hours)
- San Francisco to Tokyo in just 6 hours (instead of 10 hours and 15 minutes)
Overture will also be designed with features such as in-seat entertainment screens, ample personal space, and contactless technology. The aircraft will be a 65 to 88 seat premium aircraft with a range of up to 4250 nautical miles (4888 miles).
Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO, Boom Supersonic, said:
The world’s first purchase agreement for net-zero carbon supersonic aircraft marks a significant step toward our mission to create a more accessible world. United and Boom share a common purpose—to unite the world safely and sustainably. At speeds twice as fast, United passengers will experience all the advantages of life lived in person, from deeper, more productive business relationships to longer, more relaxing vacations to far-off destinations.
What is Boom Supersonic?
Boom Supersonic is a Denver-based company that wants to redefine commercial air travel by bringing sustainable, supersonic flight to the skies. Boom’s historic commercial airliner, Overture, is designed and committed to industry-leading standards of speed, safety, and sustainability.
Overture’s order book, including purchases and options, stands at 70 aircraft, and the company is working with the United States Air Force for government applications of Overture.
Featured image by United
What do you think of Boom Supersonic? Are you excited to fly on Overture once it takes off? Let me know in the comments section below.
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